Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Netflix Bets Big on 'Heweliusz,' Its Most Expensive Polish Series Yet
Netflix is releasing a new show in Poland called 'Heweliusz' that is its most expensive Polish production ever.
The show is about a real ferry disaster that happened in 1993 on the Baltic Sea, where many people lost their lives.
It's a big project, filmed in many places with lots of actors and people helping.
Netflix decided to make this show because they see that people in Poland really like watching stories made in their own country.
They want to make high-quality shows that focus on the human side of events, like how families deal with tough times.
This show is like 'Chernobyl' but for a Polish story, mixing different types of drama.
Netflix is investing a lot in Polish shows because they believe in the talent and want to create great content for local viewers, and sometimes these stories can become popular in other countries too.
Netflix is launching 'Heweliusz,' its most expensive Polish series, to mark its 10th anniversary in Poland.
The disaster mini-series is based on the 1993 sinking of a Polish passenger ferry, a significant maritime tragedy.
'Heweliusz' is described as one of the most ambitious projects in Europe and the biggest Polish production since 1989, filmed over nine months in 70 locations.
Łukasz Kłuskiewicz, Netflix's CEE Chief, emphasizes the show focuses on human stories and family drama, being fiction based on true events.
This significant investment signals Netflix's confidence in the Polish and CEE entertainment industry and its commitment to local content.
- Who
- Netflix, led by Central Europe Chief Łukasz Kłuskiewicz
- What
- Launching 'Heweliusz,' its most expensive Polish series and one of the biggest Polish TV productions of all time.
- When
- Premiering November 5, coinciding with Netflix's 10th anniversary in Poland.
- Where
- Poland and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region.
- Why
- To celebrate Netflix's decade in Poland, showcase local talent, and invest in original Polish content that resonates with local audiences.
Netflix's Approach
Creator's Vision
Focus of the Series
Netflix's Approach
Netflix's Kłuskiewicz emphasizes that 'Heweliusz' is 'fiction based on true events,' focusing on 'humans rather than the disaster itself,' with fictionalized elements and blended characters to explore family dynamics and tragedy.
Creator's Vision
While Kłuskiewicz notes the creators' fascination with cinema and the show being shaped by their viewing, the emphasis appears to be on a multi-layered narrative with potential plot twists and genre mixing.
Production Strategy
Netflix's Approach
Netflix prioritized quality over speed in the making of 'Heweliusz,' reflecting a broader strategy for the region.
Creator's Vision
The ambition of the project, described as 'one of the most ambitious projects in Europe,' with a massive scale of filming locations, actors, and extras, highlights the creative team's drive to produce a significant work.
- Series Title
- Heweliusz
- Genre
- Disaster mini-series, thriller, character drama, family drama
- Based On
- Sinking of a Polish passenger ferry on the Baltic Sea in 1993
- Number of Actors
- 120
- Number of Extras
- 3,000
- Filming Locations
- 70 (in and outside of Poland)
- Production Time
- Nine months